new, soon to be kilt-maker

**Beth F** · 3rd May 19, 04:24 PM

Hi,

I'm new the forum and planning to make my first kilt--for my son, for his wedding in September. My mom has made a number of kilts, so I will be checking in with her a lot! I have adjusted kilts for my two sons from thrift store kilts, but this will be a new adventure, so I thought I'd join and see what info I can glean from all the past posts!

Thanks,
Beth

**plaid preacher** · 3rd May 19, 04:44 PM

Hi Beth. Welcome to the forum from SW Ontario.

But I'm originally from PEI.

**Father Bill** · 3rd May 19, 04:49 PM

Welcome to the “Great Rabble”!

**The Wizard of BC** · 3rd May 19, 05:45 PM

Hello Beth,

May I ask please, what style kilt are you making and what pattern or book are you using?

**Beth F** · 3rd May 19, 06:05 PM

My son did some reading and has decided he'd like a box pleat kilt, but in a traditional tartan. He has a solid black wool kilt now.

I've read through a couple of different online plans (I hesitate to use the word 'pattern') including Utilikilt style box pleated kilts (which I understand are NOT the same as a tartan, wool kilt). I'm looking at The Art of Kiltmaking, but haven't ordered it yet, but I've looked through the supplementary pdf document that refers back to the book as well.

Do you have other suggestions?

He is thinking box pleat mostly because of its ancient origins--this is a young man who has made 5 chainmail shirts so far, and one chainmail hood, as well as a wool cloak, and other costume pieces.

Lest I lead you astray, he wears his current kilt for dress wear, and does not consider it a costume piece at all. Nor would the new one be. His black kilt is a knife pleated one, but a little less than 4 yards overall--He's a skinny guy, and can get away with it.

**Tarheel** · 3rd May 19, 06:07 PM

Well met and welcome Beth. We have as many questions about your circumstances as have for us. Let's work through the details on your son's kilts. Any help from your mom will be welcome (if you'll share her thoughts with us). Glad to have you with us.

I posted two minutes ahead of time. Good choice on the box pleat kilt (in my opinion). Sounds like you have a great head start with your family's history regarding kilts.

**Beth F** · 3rd May 19, 06:26 PM

I welcome all the help I can get!

First off, my son hasn't settled on a tartan yet! Heritage and ancestry is important to him, but I also want to find a colour within that which he will feel good wearing! And this is for his wedding, so that's important too, but he's not marrying a bridezilla (she's really a lovely young lady and I'm looking forward to having a new daughter!) so matching any other wedding colours is a total non-issue.

We have Scottish ancestors on both sides of my family, none on my husbands. We don't know a lot, though, and are basing our choices pretty much on last names...Any advice welcome!

We are looking at: Taylor (ancient Taylor), Cameron (related to Taylor), Henderson (a favourite looking at tartans online because of the greens), and Ross (related to Fair, though this was an Irish Fair, so not sure how affiliated the Ross tartan is to our family?) The Irish family is from county Mayo--and we have ruled out the county Mayo tartan--there are other options he likes more.

So there are still lots of choices, and I think we need to see the fabrics in person.

I'm looking at getting at least a 13oz but probably 16oz weight of fabric. I haven't measured him yet, but he wears a 28-30" waist pant. I need to get accurate measurements of his waist, though, and get a hip and length measure too.

Also, one thing I've been thinking about...is there a way to hide some extra fabric in the kilt (hidden pleats?) because this is absolutely as skinny as he will ever be, and it would be nice if we could plan for him to gain at least some weight as he moves out of his early twenties!

Thoughts?

**Nomad** · 3rd May 19, 11:02 PM

Welcome and good luck with the kilt.

I've lost some weight and from experience of taking in the kilts you can take them in around 4 inches without it making the kilt look odd (the under apron just wraps round the waist a little more). Therefore based on the fact that he will have a couple of inches spare provided by the buckles you should be able to add a couple of inches to the under apron without it affecting the look of the kilt.

I am sure one of the experts who make kilts on here will be able to offer more detailed advice, good luck.

**Kiltedjohn** · 4th May 19, 02:16 AM

Welcome from a Scotsman living in the English midlands. All the best with the kilt-making! It's something I've never dared to attempt.

**Stoff** · 4th May 19, 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by Beth F

My son did some reading and has decided he'd like a box pleat kilt, but in a traditional tartan. He has a solid black wool kilt now.

I've read through a couple of different online plans (I hesitate to use the word 'pattern') including Utilikilt style box pleated kilts (which I understand are NOT the same as a tartan, wool kilt). I'm looking at The Art of Kiltmaking, but haven't ordered it yet, but I've looked through the supplementary pdf document that refers back to the book as well.

Do you have other suggestions?

He is thinking box pleat mostly because of its ancient origins--this is a young man who has made 5 chainmail shirts so far, and one chainmail hood, as well as a wool cloak, and other costume pieces.

Lest I lead you astray, he wears his current kilt for dress wear, and does not consider it a costume piece at all. Nor would the new one be. His black kilt is a knife pleated one, but a little less than 4 yards overall--He's a skinny guy, and can get away with it.

You might want to check out "The Art of Kilt Making" by Barb Tewksbury (Barb T, on this site) and the add on book "Making a Traditional Box Pleat Kilt".

Stoff